Toronto Maple Leafs – By Matt Larkin
Seven skaters who suited up for Toronto’s Game-7 loss to Boston last April no longer play for the Maple Leafs. It’s remarkable, then, that this team’s identity is virtually unchanged entering the 2020 playoffs.
Same old Leafs. This team still possesses superb scoring talent capable of highlight-reel goals every game and, under new coach Sheldon Keefe, Toronto’s best offensive weapons get more ice time and compile even better numbers. Auston Matthews finally has the elite goal-scoring stats to match his elite advanced metrics. William Nylander has realized his potential as a top-end scorer now that he has a coach who lets him take a regular shift with other great players.